January
2009
Fantastic Dec Snow across the European Alps
Global warming and the recession, these twin perils have saved the Alps, at the least for the time being. But it may have been so altogether contrary. Before the holidays hamlets in the Verchaix area were cut off as heavy snow rained down. Motorway routes such as the busy Col du La Chavanette were severed. At that place there was no electricity or telephones, locals were evacuated to pro tem housing, it appeared as though it were a double of 1999.
Perhaps all promotion is good promotion. Le Tour appeared nightly on national French news bulletins. As soon as power was restored bookings started to arrive, drawn in by the great snow.
Grand Massif and nearby Isola 2000 have almost 4.5 feet snow on the top pistes at 2100 meters alt. and 2.5 m at the end of the runs. Currently the deepest in Europe. Chastreix-Sancy reports there is four metres at the the highest point of the resort. Regrettably snow storms have knocked over a support of the ski lift which goes up to the area. They will be out of commission until mid Jan.
In other places in the European Alps reservations are up 18% in Hautacam, Les Menuires and Le Tour. Les Houches has 2% tenancy and sold a record breaking number of ski passes on Friday. That is timely for luxury ski chalets and large ski companies.
